Question of the week: “Do you think the voter suppression billboards will impact the ‘Black vote?’ Why or why not?”

Photos and question by Yvonne Kemp

Jill Gilmer: “My hope is that these negative billboards will actually increase the black vote by stirring up resentments and reminding the community that even in 2012, the racist tactics that kept us from the polls in the 1940s and ‘50s still exist today.”

Kristen Harris: “I do not think the billboards will impact the black vote. I believe people of all races are paying close attention to this election and are making sure they are informed and have the information they need in order to make an informed decision.”

Ashanti Hamilton: “I am confident, from my conversations with many people, that those voter suppression billboards have only fired up more people about participating in the process. Hopefully the GOP will realize that voter suppressions is not only wrong, but a losing strategy.”

James E. Causey: Columnist Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: “I don’t think it will impact the Black vote because we are stronger than any message a billboard can convey. The tactic itself does send a message that they are worried about a unified Black voice.”

QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Last week, Vice President Joe Biden and GOP Vice Presidential Candidate Paul Ryan squared off against each other in the one and only Vice Presidential Debate. What was your opinion about that debate?

JENNIFER BULLOCK-SLOAN: “VP Joe Biden told the truth on how voting for Barack will continue to move this country forward. Paul Ryan could not answer questions truthfully and he was not confident with his answers because he was not telling the truth. Biden was so confident and he knew what the answers were before the question was asked. Barack has my vote again in 2012.”

ERICA HOOD-VINCENT: “The Republican ticket is clearly implementing strategies that are only beneficial for the ‘upper-class’ individuals and millionaire small business owners. VP Joe Biden did a great job in articulating the selfless act of bringing our allies together all executing military strategies for the greater good of our country which is the lesser of two evils.”

RON SLOAN, SR.:”The Vice Presidential debate was a debate! I felt both parties were debating and not showboating. However, Vice President Joe Biden was more informative and more direct with his answers. His stand on the issues that are important in this presidential race, and he set the record straight on the issues that Cong. Ryan was presenting.”

HARVEY AGEE: “I thought vice president Biden was very strong with his debate over Ryan. Obama could have done better, but I believe he’s saving the best for last.”

Question of the Week: “What is your opinion of the Presidential debate that took place October 6 between President Barack Obama and Republican candidate Mitt Romeny.”

Photos and question by Yvonne Kemp

Tyrone Patrick: “My opinion on the subject was just to bash the president and not to talk about how to help us as a country, but to make him look bad. The president did a lot to help all of us while in office. The world wasn’t moving in the right direction before he became president.”

Sharron Graves: “What was most important to me were the facts. I was not thrilled by the hype or the theatrics of how well they spoke, but (I looked at) the one (who) spoke directly about things impacting me and my family, as well as the community surrounding me.”

Jamissa Stewart: “I enjoyed the political debate that aired on October 6. I felt that President Obama showed great character by staying focused on the topics, while Romney was more into mudslinging and dodging direct questions.”

Darrell Bowens, Sr.: “During the debate between President Obama and Mitt Romney, the president was clear on the issues and gave enough background on each one so there was a clear understanding of his position and why he chose to proceed in each direction. I also believe that he is reserving to comment on more of the key issues until future debates.”

Question of the week: “Though President Obama’s lead over Mitt Romney has increased in the polls, do you think people in the community will still see the urgency of going out to vote on November 6? Why or why not?”

Kobena Marcus J. Collins: “I think the people who would normally vote will remain to see the urgency. Ultimately, it is up to us – the community – to reinforce the sense of urgency.”

Michele Sommers: “I pray our community comes out to vote. As a teacher and a mother, I try to make our young people understand the importance of voting and what Black people had to do to achieve that right. Complaining means nothing if we’re not willing to do our part to change what we are complaining about.”

Gwen Jeffro: “I believe the people will see the urgency to vote and not sit back and think their vote does not count or be complacent and believe that the polls have president Obama winning so ‘I don’t need to vote.’ This is the worse attitude to take. He needs all of us and we need him. Our future depends on your vote and mine.”

Anthony Atkins: “I do feel the sense of urgency is fading a bit. I think Obama will win, but not by as much as he should. Our youth will need to not be as apathetic as the election draws near.”

Question of the Week: “Do you think the labor movement is still alive and well, or in decline and dead? Why or why not?”

by Yvonne Kemp

Monte Mabra: “Decline. Because rights that were fought for, such as unions have been taken. So now the voice that once spoke for the labor movement has again been silenced.”

Kisha Shanks: “I definitely think that the labor movement is on a fast decline. While I understand the need for more accountability as it relates to education, there is a much greater need for educators and laborers alike, to earn wages comparable to their skill level and have job secruity. There is also a dire need for job skills training and jobs.”

Alicia Porter: “I (feel) the labor market is also declining because looking at the competition in the work world there are many reaching for the same goal and it also gives the employers a chance to take advantage of the employees because we, as workers, don’t have that opportunity to fight.”

Marquis Garner: “The labor market has declined for African Americans with the blocking of labor jobs such as the railroad and breaking up the unions.”

Question of the week: “What is your opinion of the speeches given by: First Lady Michelle Obama, former President Bill Clinton and President Barack Obama at Democratic National Convention?”

Photos and question by Yvonne Kemp

David Hamer: “I liked all three speeches but most of all I like what President Bill Clinton said about President Obama. He said it wasn’t about (being) a Democrat or Republican, it’s (about being) the best person for the job.”

Tony Courtney: “All three of the speeches were inspirational and based on truth.”

Carol Knox: “I was very inspired by all the speeches. I was especially moved by Julian Castro, Mayor of San Antonio. I was somewhat undecided but after listening to the speeches, I was encouraged and very hopeful.”

Question of the week: “What are some of the things we as a community can do to show our kids we support them as they return to school?

Photos and question by Yvonne Kemp

Yvonne McCaskill: “The community needs a consistant, positive message that promotes academic excellnece ALL YEAR!; think you can work hard to get smart, because smart is cool!”

Annie Woodward (MPS board director): “Retired teachers, parents and community members can volunteer to be tutors, hall monitors and support our children.”

Dr. Harry Oden (President of the ND Alumni Association/Class of 1959): Support students, staff and parents anyway we can with mentoring, tutoring, providing scholarships (when possible), and attending school events, to name a few.”

Stanley W. McWilliams, (North Division principal): The three P’s: Patience, Passion, and Prayer. Most of all, show them love.”

Recently 3,000 people went to see First Lady Michelle Obama speak at Bradley Tech High School. Do you think President Barack Obama will win the 2012 Presidential Election? Why or why not?

Question and photos by Yvonne Kemp

James Lindsay: “I believe Barack Obama will be re-elected because most people understand that the economy is in its current state due to the last administration and that it will take at least two terms for it to be corrected.

Markel Johnson: “He will be elected because a lot of people who say they oppose him publicly will support him at the ballot box because he is looking out for their best interest.”

Laviena Davis: “The Lord had his hand on President Obama. My senior companions and I are praying that God will do a miracle.”

Beverly Brown: “I think he will be elected. People have to realize that he had a lot of housekeeping to do when he was elected and he (has done) a lot for the people (considering) the mess everything was in when he took office.”

Question of the Week: African World Festival recently celebrated its 30th anniversary. Was this year’s festival everything you expected it to be? Why or why not?

Photos and question by Yvonne Kemp

Cecilia Gilbert: “Yes, it was awesome! I loved the diversity of music offered. Great jazz, gospel music and local talent. Local food vendors featured exceptional ethnic dishes. The art vendors had unbelievable art work and a variety of Afro-centric items. I can’t wait for the 31st African World Festival!”

Steve Adams: “The festival was a GREAT two day event. It provided a variety of activities and functions for all in an enjoyable and fun-filled manner. It was just another example of what talented African Americans and supportive parties can do when we FOCUS on SUCCESS for our community. I can’t wait until the 2013 festival!”

Nyerere Davidson: “The atmosphere and overall feel of this year’s AWF reminded me of the good ole’ times. It truly brought back the essence of the African culture and united people for a positive, nonviolent and glorious occasion.”

Vivian King: “I knew African World Festival would be great because I know how hard the committee worked. But the festival exceeded my high expectations. It was absolutely fantastic! Boney James was phenomenal. The variety of entertainment was wonderful! The church service was awesome! The vendors had such special items, but the fellowship with friends and the community was my favorite part of the two days. Kudos to Mark Wade and the rest of his team!”

Question of the week: “Recently two former Negro Baseball League stars were honored by the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park for their contributions to the game. We asked the honorees, Mamie “Peanut” Johnson and Porter Reed; and two other Negro Leaguers to share their most memorable moments while playing baseball?”

Photos and question by Yvonne Kemp

Mamie “Peanut” Johnson: “Just being in the Negro Leagues and playing Major League baseball!”

Porter Reed: “Playing baseball. I played on the military team while I was in the U.S. Army. Those were the best years. I was young, clean and healthy. And all I did was play baseball. I love the game!”

Nathan “Sonny” Weston: “My amazing memorable moment was when I met Jackie Robinson. He encouraged me to continue to play ball regardless of the circumstances!”